mariachi

This weekend a new project aims to blend art forms and genres in Fresno. The brainchild of Fresno-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Omar Nare, Dos Mundos mixes sounds of traditional mariachi with flamenco rhythms and dance.

There are only a few towns in Central California with their own opera companies and even fewer creating new art forms. In Visalia, a director has brought mariachi and opera together to form an original mariachi opera called “El Bracero.” In this story FM89’s Ezra David Romero meets the opera’s creator and discovers a new art form that weaves together elements of love and struggle.

Mariachi is very important to the Latino community. The Mexican folk music is played at quinceaneras, weddings and celebrations of all sorts. But rarely is it heard in the world of opera, until now.

This week on Valley Edition KVPR's Ezra David Romero reports on the fusion of mariachi and opera in Visalia. Also on the show reporter Diana Aguilera reports from Dinuba where Covered California is focusing outreach efforts on the Latino community. But the only problem is that many don't quality for coverage.

This week on Valley Edition we take a look into stories and issues across the region including water, possibly reducing the the legal limit for blood alcohol content for drivers, an update surrounding a Bakersfield man who was beaten to death by law enforcement and more.

This weekend the stage of the Saroyan Theatre will be filled with hundreds of young musicians, with hundreds more in the audience. It’s all part of an effort by a Fresno composer to break down the boundaries between classical music and mariachi, and to bring young audiences into the world of music, in a fun, interactive way. Valley Public Radio's Rebecca Plevin reports.